Programs for server and terminal devices

Abstract

To further enhance the enjoyment of the event's audience. [Solution] The server device comprises a communication unit and a control unit that sends and receives information via the communication unit. When the control unit receives a request from a spectator's terminal device for information about a character corresponding to a sign installed in a location other than the spectator seating area within the venue or around the venue, it sends the character information to the terminal device, provided that the request satisfies predetermined conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to programs for server devices and terminal devices.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for supporting the improvement of the interest of spectators when watching an event have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which when a terminal reads an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag sheet attached to a seat in an event venue, web links providing various information are acquired by the terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The conventional technology only provides uniform information, and there is room for improvement in the interest during an event.

[0005] Hereinafter, a server device and the like that can further improve the interest of event spectators will be disclosed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The server device in the present disclosure has a communication unit and a control unit that transmits and receives information through the communication unit. When the control unit receives a request for information on a character corresponding to a sign installed at a location other than the spectator seats in the venue or around the venue from a terminal device of a spectator, the control unit sends the information on the character to the terminal device on the condition that the request satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0007] A program for a terminal device in another aspect of this disclosure is executed by the terminal device to send a request to a server device for information about a character corresponding to a sign installed in a location other than the audience seating area within the venue or around the venue, and to display an image of the character using the information about the character sent from the server device, provided that the request satisfies predetermined conditions. Execute this. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The server equipment and other devices described in this disclosure will make it possible to further enhance the enjoyment of event attendees. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operating procedure of an information processing system. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure for a server device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system in one embodiment. The information processing system 1 has one or more server devices 10 and terminal devices 12 that are connected to each other via a network 11 so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system and functions as a server that implements various functions. The terminal device 12 is an information processing terminal that exchanges various information with the server device 10, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, etc. The network 11 is, for example, the internet, but includes an ad hoc network, LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or other networks or any combination thereof.

[0012] In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 provides information to enhance the interest of spectators via terminal devices 12 used by spectators watching an event. The event is an event featuring multiple characters, including, for example, anime, manga, games, pop culture, and sports events, and is held at a venue such as an exhibition hall or stadium. The characters are, for example, characters appearing in content such as anime, manga, and games, or members of a sports team. The characters may be real people, fictional people, or living beings. Furthermore, the characters may appear in the event being held, or they may not appear. Spectators participating in the event are highly likely to each have a favorite character. The server device 10 provides each spectator with information about their favorite character via the spectator's terminal device 12. Specifically, when the server device 10 receives a request from the spectator's terminal device 12 for information about a character corresponding to a sign 13 installed in a location other than the spectator seats within the venue or around the venue (hereinafter referred to as character information), it sends the character information to the terminal device 12, provided that the request satisfies predetermined conditions. Signs 13 installed in locations other than the audience seating area within the venue or around the venue may be two-dimensional codes such as barcodes or QR codes (registered trademarks) affixed to walls, signboards, etc., or they may be transmitters such as beacons. When an audience member operates a terminal device 12 to read a two-dimensional code or receives a wireless signal from a transmitter, the terminal device 12 obtains access information, such as URL information, to the event-related website (hereinafter referred to as the event site) provided by the server device 10. When the terminal device 12 accesses the event site, the server device 10 sends character information to the terminal device 12 according to conditions such as the time, the location of the sign installation, and eligibility to participate in the event (hereinafter referred to as the provision conditions). The character information is information about one of the characters, for example, a part of all the characters related to the event. The terminal device 12 outputs the image or sound of the character included in the character information to the audience. By the server device 10 sending character information according to the provision conditions to the terminal device 12, it becomes possible to enhance the audience's interest in a way that cannot be achieved with uniform information provision.On the other hand, if the character information obtained by the audience is not that of their preferred character, they will try to obtain information about their preferred character by searching for further markers 13 at the venue. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the audience's interest.

[0013] Next, an example configuration of the server device 10 will be described.

[0014] The server device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103. The server device 10 may be a single computer, or it may consist of two or more computers that are connected and operate in coordination with each other. When the server device 10 consists of two or more computers, the configuration shown in Figure 1 is appropriately arranged across the two or more computers.

[0015] The communication unit 101 includes one or more communication interfaces. These communication interfaces are, for example, LAN interfaces. The communication unit 101 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control unit 103. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 via the communication unit 101 and communicates information with the terminal device 12 via the network 11.

[0016] The storage unit 102 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these, which function as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The storage unit 102 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 103.

[0017] The control unit 103 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like. The control unit 103 executes information processing related to the operation of the server device 10 while controlling each part of the server device 10.

[0018] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in the control unit 103. The control program is a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of the steps included in the operation of the server device 10, so as to cause the computer to realize the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. That is, the control program is a program for causing a computer to function as the server device 10. Also, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 103. Further, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory recording and storage medium readable by the server device 10, and the server device 10 may read it from the medium.

[0019] Next, a configuration example of the terminal device 12 will be described.

[0020] The terminal device 12 includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, a positioning unit 124, an input unit 125, and an output unit 126.

[0021] The communication unit 121 includes a communication module or the like that supports a wired or wireless LAN standard, a mobile communication standard, a short-range wireless communication standard, etc. The mobile communication standards include LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc. The short-range wireless communication standards include NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Zigbee, infrared communication, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), etc. The terminal device 12 is connected to the network 11 via the communication unit 121 through a nearby router device or a base station for mobile communication, and performs information communication with other devices via the network 11, or performs information communication with a beacon installed in the venue as the identifier 13 by short-range wireless communication.

[0022] The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, a SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 122 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 122 stores information used for the operation of the control unit 123 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0023] The control unit 123 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 123 executes information processing related to the operation of the terminal device 12 while controlling each part of the terminal device 12.

[0024] The positioning unit 124 includes one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The positioning unit 124 sends the positioning result to the control unit 123, which then obtains the location information of the terminal device 12.

[0025] The input unit 125 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interfaces include, for example, a microphone for receiving voice input, physical keys, capacitive keys, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, etc. The input interfaces also include a camera, scanner, etc. for reading two-dimensional codes. The input unit 125 receives operations to input information used for the operation of the control unit 123, or reads two-dimensional codes installed in the venue as signs 13, and sends the input information to the control unit 123.

[0026] The output unit 126 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces are, for example, a speaker or a display. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 126 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0027] The functions of the control unit 123 are realized by executing a control / processing program on the processor included in the control unit 123. The control / processing program is a program that causes the computer to execute the processing steps included in the operation of the control unit 123, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control / processing program is a program that causes the computer to function as the control unit 123. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 123 may be realized by dedicated circuits included in the control unit 123.

[0028] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation procedure of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2 shows the procedure for the coordinated operation of the server device 10 and the terminal device 12. The steps related to various information processing of the server device 10 and the terminal device 12 in Figure 2 are executed by the respective control units 103 and 123. Furthermore, the steps related to the sending and receiving of various information between the server device 10 and the terminal device 12 are executed by the respective control units 103 and 123 sending and receiving information to each other via the communication units 101 and 121. In the server device 10 and the terminal device 12, the control units 103 and 123 respectively store the information to be sent and received in the storage units 102 and 122 as appropriate. In addition, the control unit 123 of the terminal device 12 receives various information input from the audience or information from the sign 13 via the input unit 125, and outputs various information to the audience via the output unit 126.

[0029] The example procedure in Figure 2 is an example of the steps taken when an audience member participates in an event.

[0030] In S20, terminal device 12 sends participation information to server device 10. Participation information includes the audience's identification information and information that identifies the event, which are obtained when the audience member applies for the event. For example, when an audience member operates terminal device 12 to access the event site, identifies the event they wish to attend, and enters identification information such as an ID and password, participation information is sent from terminal device 12 to server device 10.

[0031] In S21, the server device 10 authenticates the audience. The server device 10 compares the event application record with the participation information, determines whether the audience member's identification information is included in the application record, and authenticates the audience member.

[0032] In S22, the server device 10 sends guidance information to the terminal device 12. The guidance information is a map image of the event venue, etc., showing the location where signs 13 will be installed at the event venue. The server device 10 sends the guidance information to the terminal device 12 on the condition that the audience's authentication is successful. The server device 10 may also send the guidance information to the terminal device 12 on the condition that authentication is successful. Doing so can help to suppress congestion before the start of the event. The server device 10 may also send the guidance information to the terminal device 12 on the condition that the time until the start of the event is shorter than an arbitrary standard time (several tens of minutes to several hours). By making the standard time longer than a certain amount, it can help to suppress congestion before the start of the event.

[0033] In S23, terminal device 12 outputs guidance information. Terminal device 12 displays the guidance information and presents it to the audience. The audience can see the guidance information and recognize the location of sign 13 at the venue of the event they are attending.

[0034] Upon arriving at the event venue, spectators use directional information to search for sign 13.

[0035] In S24, terminal device 12 acquires access information. The access information is information for accessing character information of the character corresponding to each sign 13, and includes identification information of the sign 13 or information indicating its installation location within the venue. The character information is provided, for example, on the event site. When a spectator finds one of the signs 13, they operate terminal device 12 to acquire the access information corresponding to the sign 13. For example, if the sign 13 is a two-dimensional code, terminal device 12 acquires the access information by reading the two-dimensional code. Alternatively, if the sign 13 is a transmitter, terminal device 12 acquires the access information by receiving a signal containing the access information from the transmitter via short-range wireless communication. At the stage of acquiring access information from sign 13, the spectator does not know whether the character information accessible by that access information belongs to their preferred character or to a different character.

[0036] In S25, terminal device 12 sends a request for character information to server device 10. The audience operates terminal device 12 to send a request for character information to server device 10. Terminal device 12 uses access information to generate a request for character information accessible via the access information and sends it to server device 10. The request includes identification information or installation location information of sign 13.

[0037] In step S26, the server device 10 determines the information to be provided to the terminal device 12. A detailed procedure for step S26 is shown in Figure 3.

[0038] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure executed by the control unit 103 of the server device 10.

[0039] In S31, the control unit 103 derives the installation location of the sign 13 and the time when the character information request was sent. The control unit 103 derives the installation location of the sign 13 using information indicating the installation location of the sign 13 sent from the terminal device 12. The installation location of the sign 13 is divided into categories such as outside the viewing area within the venue, outside the venue, etc. The control unit 103 also derives the time of the request based on the timestamp when the request was received. The time of the request is divided into categories such as before the event starts, during the event, and after the event. The control unit 103 derives the time of the request by, for example, obtaining event schedule information that is pre-stored in the memory unit 102 and comparing the event schedule with the timestamp of the request.

[0040] In S32, the control unit 103 determines whether the provision conditions are met. The provision conditions are the conditions for providing the requested character information in response to the character information request from the terminal device 12. The provision conditions include, for example, the timing of the request and the installation location of the sign 13. The provision conditions are met, for example, in the following cases 1) to 3). 1) The request was made before the event started, and the location of sign 13 was outside the viewing area within the venue. 2) The request was made before the start of the event, and the location of sign 13 is outside the venue. 3) The request is made after the event has ended, and the location of sign 13 is outside the venue. In the above, by ensuring that the request period does not include the time the event is taking place, and that the placement of sign 13 does not include the spectator seating area, it becomes possible to encourage spectators to concentrate on the event. The conditions for provision include, for example, the authentication information of sign 13 and the authentication information of the admission ticket for the event. The conditions for provision are met, for example, in the case of 4) below. 4) The authentication information on sign 13 matches the authentication information on the admission ticket for the event. In the above, by limiting the right to request character information to audience members who hold tickets for the event, it is possible to avoid excessive congestion at the venue.

[0041] In step S32, the control unit 103 proceeds to step S33 if the provision conditions are met (Yes), and to step S37 if they are not met (No), and generates information indicating that the conditions were not met. The information indicating that the conditions were not met includes wording to notify the audience that character information will not be provided due to the conditions not being met.

[0042] In S33, the control unit 103 determines if an anomaly has occurred in the sign 13. An anomaly is determined if it is estimated that one or more sign 13s have been damaged, stolen, etc., and that the audience is unable to access the character corresponding to that sign 13. The control unit 103 retrieves the history of requests received from one or more terminal devices 12 in the past from the storage unit 102 and derives a list of characters corresponding to the requests. For example, the storage unit 102 stores character information for each character corresponding to each event, linked to the identification information or installation location information of the corresponding sign 13. The control unit 103 derives the request frequency for each character over any period in the past (for example, from a few hours before the current time to the current time) and identifies characters with zero requests. In that case, it is estimated that an anomaly has occurred in the sign 13 for requesting the character information of that character. By doing so, the control unit 103 determines that an anomaly has occurred.

[0043] In S34, if the control unit 103 determines that no abnormality has occurred (Yes), it proceeds to step S35; otherwise, if it does not determine that no abnormality has occurred (No), it proceeds to step S38.

[0044] In S35, the control unit 103 obtains the requested character information. The control unit 103 obtains the requested character information by selecting and reading the character information corresponding to the requested character from the storage unit 102.

[0045] Meanwhile, in S38, the control unit 103 acquires character information where an anomaly occurred. This character information is the character information of the character corresponding to the sign 13 that was determined to have an anomaly. The control unit 103 identifies the sign 13 where the anomaly occurred and reads and acquires the character information associated with the identification information or installation location information of that sign 13 from the storage unit 102.

[0046] In S36, the control unit 103 determines the information to be provided. The control unit 103 determines the requested character information, or the requested character information and the character information where an anomaly occurred, as the information to be provided. Alternatively, if the provision conditions are not met, the control unit 103 determines the information that the conditions were not met as the information to be provided.

[0047] Then, the control unit 103 completes the procedure shown in Figure 3.

[0048] Returning to Figure 2, in S28, the server device 10 sends the provided information to the terminal device 12.

[0049] In S29, terminal device 12 outputs the information received from server device 10. For example, terminal device 12 outputs character information of the requested character. Character information includes a still or moving image of the character and audio. In addition to the character information of the requested character, terminal device 12 also outputs character information of the character where an error occurred. This allows the audience to obtain information about characters that are no longer accessible. Alternatively, terminal device 12 outputs information indicating that the condition was not met. This gives the audience an opportunity to search for another indicator 13.

[0050] Character information is provided to the audience through the procedure described above. If the provided character information is for a character the audience likes, they can experience a sense of interest. In that case, for example, by storing the character information in the memory unit 102 of the terminal device 12, they can access the character information of their favorite character at any time. On the other hand, if the provided character information is not for a character the audience likes, they get an opportunity to search for another indicator 13. Then, they can obtain other character information requested based on the other indicator 13. In this way, they experience a sense of interest as they search until they reach the character information of their favorite character.

[0051] Character information includes information that defines how the character will be displayed. The character may, for example, be displayed as a moving image and may speak messages related to the event. For example, the character may be presented to the audience by the terminal device 12 displaying or outputting text such as "Welcome to the XX event" or "We will be doing XX at today's event, so please look forward to it." The character information may also include information for superimposing the character's image onto the captured image when the terminal device 12 takes an image. For example, when an audience member tries to take a commemorative photo of themselves, the character may be inserted next to their image. In this way, the audience can enjoy the entertainment of AR (Augmented Reality).

[0052] In a modified version, in step S35 of Figure 3, the server device 10 changes the character information presentation method if the request is made after the event has started and the sign 13 is located outside the venue. The memory unit 102 stores information on multiple presentation methods for each character in advance. For example, a presentation method appropriate for after the event has ended is selected. An appropriate presentation method after the event has ended is, for example, one in which the character delivers a message expressing gratitude for attending the event, such as displaying or outputting the audio of a message like "Thank you for coming" or "Thank you for your support." In this way, even after the event has ended, the audience can continue to be stimulated by searching for the sign 13 in the vicinity of the venue outside the venue.

[0053] The appearance of the sign 13 can be changed according to the popularity of the corresponding character. For example, by displaying the QR code corresponding to a more popular character in a smaller size, or in a less conspicuous color or design, it is possible to enhance the audience's interest in searching for the sign 13.

[0054] Furthermore, the indicator 13 may correspond to multiple characters. Corresponding to one indicator 13, the terminal device 12 of the first user can receive character information corresponding to the first character from the server device 10, provided that arbitrary conditions are met, and the terminal device 12 of the second user can receive character information corresponding to the first character or character information for a second character different from the first character from the server device 10. The order in which the character information for multiple characters is provided may be random or in an arbitrarily determined order.

[0055] According to the above-described embodiment, it becomes possible to further enhance the audience's enjoyment.

[0056] As described above, embodiments have been explained based on various drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means, steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Information and communication systems 10 Server devices 11 Network 12 Terminal devices 13 signs 101, 121 Communications Department 102, 122 Storage section 103, 123 Control Unit 124 Positioning Unit 125 Input section 126 Output section

Claims

1. Communications Department and, It has a control unit that sends and receives information via the aforementioned communication unit, When the control unit receives a request from a terminal device for information on at least one of one or more characters acquired by a terminal device, such as when a terminal device reads a sign installed in a location other than the audience seating area within the venue or around the venue, or when the terminal device receives information from the sign, the control unit sends the information on at least one character to the terminal device and causes the terminal device to output an image or sound of the character based on the information on the character. Server device.

2. Communications Department and, It has a control unit that sends and receives information via the aforementioned communication unit, When the control unit receives a request from a spectator's terminal device for information on a character corresponding to a sign installed in a location other than the spectator seating area within the venue or around the venue, it sends the character information to the terminal device, provided that the request satisfies predetermined conditions. Server device.

3. In claim 2, The control unit sends guidance information indicating the location of the sign to the terminal device before the start time of the event held at the venue. Server device.

4. In claim 2, The signs are installed at the venue in a manner that corresponds to the popularity of the corresponding character. Server device.

5. In claim 2, The control unit sends information about the character corresponding to the first indicator where an abnormality has been determined to have occurred to the terminal device that sends a request for information about the character corresponding to the second indicator. Server device.

6. In claim 2, The aforementioned condition is that the request is sent at a time other than the time of the event being held at the venue. Server device.

7. In claim 2, The aforementioned condition is that the request was sent based on a sign placed outside the seating area for the event held at the venue. Server device.

8. In claim 2, The aforementioned conditions are that the request is sent after the end of an event held at the venue, and that the request is sent based on a sign placed outside the venue. Server device.

9. In claim 8, The character information that the control unit sends to the terminal device is information indicating a predetermined form of the character. Server device.

10. In claim 2, The character information is information for outputting either or both of the character's image and / or sound from the terminal device. Server device.

11. By being executed by the terminal device, the terminal device will Sending a request to the server device for information about characters corresponding to signs installed in areas other than the audience seating area within the venue or around the venue, The request is to display an image of the character using the character information sent from the server device, provided that the request satisfies predetermined conditions. Execute A program for a terminal device.

12. In claim 11, The aforementioned terminal device further, The system outputs guidance information indicating the location of the sign, which is sent from the server device before the start time of the event held at the aforementioned venue. A program for a terminal device.

13. In claim 11, The signs are installed at the venue in a manner that corresponds to the popularity of the corresponding character. A program for a terminal device.

14. In claim 11, The aforementioned terminal device further, In response to a request for information on the character corresponding to the second indicator, the server device outputs information on the character corresponding to the first indicator for which an anomaly has been determined. A program for a terminal device.

15. In claim 11, The aforementioned condition is that the request is sent at a time other than the time of the event being held at the venue. A program for a terminal device.

16. In claim 11, The aforementioned condition is that the request was sent based on a sign placed outside the seating area for the event held at the venue. A program for a terminal device.

17. In claim 11, The aforementioned conditions are that the request is sent after the end of an event held at the venue, and that the request is sent based on a sign placed outside the venue. A program for a terminal device.

18. In claim 17, The character information sent from the server device is information indicating a predetermined form of the character. A program for a terminal device.

19. In claim 11, The character information is information for outputting either or both of the character's image and / or sound. A program for a terminal device.

20. In claim 11, The aforementioned character information is information for adding the image of the character to the captured image. A program for a terminal device.

Images